TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--
MarkLines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Makoto Sakai; TYO:3901) announced its launch of the "MarkLines Gen-AI Beta Version," the new feature for B2B users in the automotive industry.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112383839/en/
This AI-powered feature enables users to ask questions in natural language and instantly receive highly reliable, relevant data drawn from MarkLines’ extensive automotive database. Moreover, the system analyzes this information by leveraging the rich content across its platform and delivers clear, concise, text-based insights.
By combining trusted data with advanced analytical capabilities through generative AI, this service represents a first-of-its-kind B2B offering in Japan, with only a limited number of comparable examples globally. This feature is available at no additional cost to corporate members of the company’s information platform.
Key Features of MarkLines Gen-AI
1. Simultaneous Provision of "Data" and "Analysis" in Search Results
Generative AI tools that search publicly available information on the web often cannot produce accurate and detailed data, frequently failing to provide satisfactory answers for automotive industry professionals.
With this new function, the "Data" section introduces the most relevant proprietary data from MarkLines’ content, while the "Analysis" section generates accurate and reliable textual explanations based on cross-referenced search results.
2. Cross-Searching Across a Broad Range of Automotive Information
MarkLines’ content spans a wide array of areas: market trends such as sales volumes and model changes, technological trends like ADAS and EV powertrains, supply relationships between automakers and suppliers, and industry trends represented by news and technical reports.
This feature enables cross-searching across multiple content menus, allowing users to obtain comprehensive, purpose-fit answers in a one-stop service.
3. Queries and Answers Supported in Over 60 Languages
In addition to English, Japanese, and Chinese, questions can be asked in over 60 languages.
Answers will also be provided in the language used for the query.
Future Plans
The feature will launch in beta and be continuously refined based on user feedback ahead of an official release.
In addition, the company will enhance the capabilities of "MarkLines Gen-AI", aiming to further improve its accuracy and provide more specialized and high-quality answers.
"MarkLines Gen-AI Beta Version" can take questions in natural language and instantly give highly reliable, relevant data drawn from MarkLines’ extensive automotive database (Image: MarkLines Co., Ltd.)
NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL and NHL Players’ Association said in a joint statement Monday they are pleased that test events at the new hockey arena for the Milan Cortina Olympics were “a good trial run and provided important insight into the current status” of construction.
League and union officials were present at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena over the weekend, as organizers put on games to test the ice surface while the process of finishing locker rooms and other facilities continues. Play is set to begin on the women's side Feb. 5 and the men's side Feb. 11.
“While challenges are inherent with new ice and a still-under-construction venue, we expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock,” they said in a statement said. “The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, standing ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the local organizing committee, the IOC, and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the the test events went OK, from the reports he received, while acknowledging there is still more to be finished.
"There are still challenges because the building is still under construction and the ice is new," Bettman said in Buffalo, New York, where he was to announce the Sabres are hosting the draft there in June. "We’ve been assured that, or we expect, that everything that needs to be done on a timely basis will get done. But, as you know, it’s not our event. We’re invited guests. But we’ve offered to help and consult and advise as they feel they need and would be appropriate because we do have a little bit of expertise in that area.”
Officials in Milan, including International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif, recently expressed confidence that NHL players will participate next month as scheduled. Concerns were mounting given that the rink had not yet been completed less than month before the start of the Games.
Bettman believes he'll have a better idea of where things stand in Milan once he arrives.
“It’s always been important for our players to play best on best at the Olympics,” Bettman said. “That’s why we agreed to take the break and have them go. In the final analysis, that question has to get answered by the IOC and the IIHF.”
AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed.
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
Wipptal Broncos players warm up at the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, in Milan, where Ice Hockey discipline of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Luc Tardif, IIHF President talks to reporters at the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, in Milan, where Ice Hockey discipline of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Gian Mattia D'Alberto /LaPresse via AP)
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Gian Mattia D'Alberto /LaPresse via AP)
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Gian Mattia D'Alberto /LaPresse via AP)
